Singapore opens consulate in Batam
Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo visited Batam on Friday for the official opening of the Singapore Consulate in Batam.
The consulate in Batam is Singapore's third representation in Indonesia.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said the establishment underscores Singapore's strong ties with Indonesia, and in particular, the Riau Islands Province (KEPRI).
Besides providing consular services to Singaporeans in KEPRI, the Consulate will also help to promote and enhance exchanges between Singapore and KEPRI.
Mr Yeo also attended the Singapore National Day reception as Guest-of-Honour.
He met KEPRI Acting Governor Muhammad Sani, Vice-Governor-elect Soerya Respationo and guests at the National Day reception and discussed how Singapore and KEPRI could continue to strengthen their existing cooperation.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Lower toll charges when using 2nd Link
Motorists enjoy lower toll charges when using Second Link
Starting Sunday, motorists will enjoy lower toll charges when they drive into or leave Singapore using the Second Link.
Some coach operators were worried that the lower charges would encourage more to use the link, which could cause jams.
They pay a toll of S$3.90 at the Second Link.
One operator, Grassland Express, is taking a wait-and-see approach.
That is because it said the toll does not form the bulk of operating costs.
Instead, it said that rising fuel costs could offset the 30 per cent or S$1.70 toll reduction.
But another coach operator is happy that toll has been reduced. Transtar told Channel NewsAsia that it plans to bring down fares by about 10 per cent.
Destinations that could possibly enjoy such reductions include Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Taiping in Perak and Alor Star in Kedah.
Transtar hopes that the move can make coach travel more attractive.
Sebastian Yap, executive director, Transtar, said: "Low cost carriers have been affecting us a bit. This will be a good opportunity for us to have some free area to adjust ourselves to be more competitive."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Starting Sunday, motorists will enjoy lower toll charges when they drive into or leave Singapore using the Second Link.
Some coach operators were worried that the lower charges would encourage more to use the link, which could cause jams.
They pay a toll of S$3.90 at the Second Link.
One operator, Grassland Express, is taking a wait-and-see approach.
That is because it said the toll does not form the bulk of operating costs.
Instead, it said that rising fuel costs could offset the 30 per cent or S$1.70 toll reduction.
But another coach operator is happy that toll has been reduced. Transtar told Channel NewsAsia that it plans to bring down fares by about 10 per cent.
Destinations that could possibly enjoy such reductions include Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Taiping in Perak and Alor Star in Kedah.
Transtar hopes that the move can make coach travel more attractive.
Sebastian Yap, executive director, Transtar, said: "Low cost carriers have been affecting us a bit. This will be a good opportunity for us to have some free area to adjust ourselves to be more competitive."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Thailand Travel Tips - Health
Medical Services
All tourism destinations and provincial capitals have hospitals and clinics staffed by well-trained doctors and nurse. In the case of an emergency, an ambulance can be summoned from any private hospital.
Vaccinations
As in most other countries, visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or passing through a designated contaminated area.
-Info courtesy of TAT-
All tourism destinations and provincial capitals have hospitals and clinics staffed by well-trained doctors and nurse. In the case of an emergency, an ambulance can be summoned from any private hospital.
Vaccinations
As in most other countries, visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or passing through a designated contaminated area.
-Info courtesy of TAT-
Thailand Travel Tips - Conservation
Conservation
Many species of wildlife are threatened with extinction, their numbers declining at an ever-accelerating due to human kinds insatiable greed to exploit nature to the limit. This sad situation will continue unabated unless every effort is made to check and hopefully reverse the trend. The only place where wild animals belong is in the wild, in their natural habitats, and both animals and the environment need to be protected.
* Do keep the environment clean. Rubbish thrown in the sea or discarded in the forest can be harmful, even deadly to creatures.
* Don't purchase any souvenirs or other items that are made from animal products, such as turtle shells or ivory.
* Don't purchase wild animals as pets, nor give support to animal owners who exploit wild creatures.
* Don't patronize restaurants or businesses that specialize in serving wild animal meat. It is against the law in Thailand to slaughter wild life for food.
* Do help us to better care for our wildlife and stop illegal activities by reporting any incidents to the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department,
Tel: 0 2562 0760. Website: www.dnp.go.th
-Info courtesy of TAT-
Many species of wildlife are threatened with extinction, their numbers declining at an ever-accelerating due to human kinds insatiable greed to exploit nature to the limit. This sad situation will continue unabated unless every effort is made to check and hopefully reverse the trend. The only place where wild animals belong is in the wild, in their natural habitats, and both animals and the environment need to be protected.
* Do keep the environment clean. Rubbish thrown in the sea or discarded in the forest can be harmful, even deadly to creatures.
* Don't purchase any souvenirs or other items that are made from animal products, such as turtle shells or ivory.
* Don't purchase wild animals as pets, nor give support to animal owners who exploit wild creatures.
* Don't patronize restaurants or businesses that specialize in serving wild animal meat. It is against the law in Thailand to slaughter wild life for food.
* Do help us to better care for our wildlife and stop illegal activities by reporting any incidents to the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department,
Tel: 0 2562 0760. Website: www.dnp.go.th
-Info courtesy of TAT-
Thailand Travel Tips - Transportation
Transportation
* Visitors are adviced to only use authorised transportation services (limousines, public taxis or buses) from Bangkok International Airport into the city and other areas. For full information, there is a Transport Service Counter located in the airport's passenger arrival hall.
* Visitors who are unfamiliar with their way around, or who cannot speak Thai are best adviced to use their hotel's taxi service. Also, ask the hotel concierge to write your destination in Thai, as well as your hotel address so that taxi drivers are clear about where you want to go and where you will be returning to. Alternatively, Bangkok's Skytrain e;evated mass transit system, and MRTA Subway offers quick and easy access to major business, shopping and entertainment areas in the city.
* Be wary of unautorised and unsolicited persons offering their services as guides. Use only reliable licensed travel agents for guides or tours. Full information is available from the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) counters.
* General travel information can be obtained from the TAT counters in the Arrival Hall between 8.00am and 10.00pm. (Tel: 0 2525 8972-3)
-Info courtesy of TAT-
* Visitors are adviced to only use authorised transportation services (limousines, public taxis or buses) from Bangkok International Airport into the city and other areas. For full information, there is a Transport Service Counter located in the airport's passenger arrival hall.
* Visitors who are unfamiliar with their way around, or who cannot speak Thai are best adviced to use their hotel's taxi service. Also, ask the hotel concierge to write your destination in Thai, as well as your hotel address so that taxi drivers are clear about where you want to go and where you will be returning to. Alternatively, Bangkok's Skytrain e;evated mass transit system, and MRTA Subway offers quick and easy access to major business, shopping and entertainment areas in the city.
* Be wary of unautorised and unsolicited persons offering their services as guides. Use only reliable licensed travel agents for guides or tours. Full information is available from the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) counters.
* General travel information can be obtained from the TAT counters in the Arrival Hall between 8.00am and 10.00pm. (Tel: 0 2525 8972-3)
-Info courtesy of TAT-
Thailand Travel Tips - Shopping
Shopping Tips
There is more to shop in Thailand than just acquiring a souvenir or two. A huge variety of buys, combined with creative design, quality workmanship and extremely competitive prices, make Thailand arguably the most rewarding shopping destination in Asia.
Shopping is indeed a pleasure in Thailand, but to ensure it is a total joy it is worth keeping in mind some simple points.
* Bargaining: Fixed priced apply in department stores and some shops in Bangkok; otherwise, bargaining is acceptable even expected. Generally, the price asked for can be reduced by 10%-40%. No hard and fast rules apply, but remember Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humour and can be put off by loud voices and loss of temper. Patience and a smile are what count.
* Gems & Jewellery: Remember there is no such thing as a bargain when buying gems or jewellery, there is only good value. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Choose jewellery stores carefully and do compare prices from shop to shop.
* Touts: Avoid touts or unsolicited new-found friends who offer to take you shopping. Stores give commissions to such people and the cost is reflected in the price you pay.
* Receipts: When purchasing gems, jewellery or other luxury items, obtain a receipt and check it is correct before leaving the shop.
The Jewel Fest Club
Jewellery and gemstones from Thailand are also a favourite item for many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality craftmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Yet occasionally, there have been visitors who complained about the action of few unethical jewellers who persuaded them to purchase jewellery at an unreasonable price.
Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established, bringing about 100 leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers. The club's aim to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied with their purchases.
When you purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identified as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, your purchase will be duly recorded, and a certificate detailing your purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and price of your purchase, it also guarantees your refund should you wish to return the purchase. Contact The Jewel Fest Club at Tel: 0 2630 1390-7, Fax: 0 2630 1398-9, or visit website : www.jewelfest.com.
VAT Refund
Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to refunds of the 7% value-added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops and department stores displaying "VAT Refund for Tourists" signs. The refund may be claimed if the claimed amounts in all P.P.10's have been totaled 5,000 baht or over. Tourist is eligible to receive P.P.10 form when the total purchase of 2,000 baht or over is made from the same store on the same date. Before checking in at the international airport (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Utapao), tourist must show your purchases, completed P.P.10 form and tax invoices to the Customs Officer for inspection. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card. For more information, please contact the VAT Refund for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388, 0 2272 8195-8 or www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html
Where to shop in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, but offers many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. The following is just a selection of some of the principal shopping districts.
* Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong
Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, All of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the Central World Plaza and Narayana Phand Pavillion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Ploenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mah Boon Krong, Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.
* Silom-Surawong-Patpong
Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok's commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong's famous night market
* Silom-Mahesak-New road
Silom leads into New Road which parallel the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.
* Sukhumvit
Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke) and along shortcuts between Asoke and Ekamai.
* Chinatown
Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok's Chinatown offers a profusion or gold shops as well as two nearby traditional shopping places, Ban Mo Jewellery Street and Phahurat ClothMarket.
* Bang Lamphu
Situated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
* Pratunam-Phetchaburi
A highlight in the distinct is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok's biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.
* Baiyoke Tower
Located next to Bangkok's tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city's renowned garment centres.
* Nailert Market
Situated close to Pratunum Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.
* Bo-Be Market
Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the city's renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.
* Bangkok International Airport
Centre for an extensive range of shops offering a full selection of Thailand's top buys.
Shopping & Department Stores
* Amerin Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2255 0831
* Future Park Rangsit
Phaholyothin Road, Tel : 0 2958 0080
* Gaysorn Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2656 1149
* Mah Boon Krong Centre (MBK),
Opp Siam Square
* Nailert Plaza
Phetchaburi Road, Tel : 0-2255-8970-2
* Narayana Phand
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2252 4670-9
* Peninsula Plaza
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2253 9763
* Ploenchit Centre
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2656 8989-90 (Inter Outlet)
* River City
Yota Road, Tel : 0 2237 0077-8
* Seacon Square
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2721 8888
* Seri Centre
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2746 0123
* Siam Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
* Siam Discovery Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
* Times Square
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2253 9333
-Info courtesy of TAT-
There is more to shop in Thailand than just acquiring a souvenir or two. A huge variety of buys, combined with creative design, quality workmanship and extremely competitive prices, make Thailand arguably the most rewarding shopping destination in Asia.
Shopping is indeed a pleasure in Thailand, but to ensure it is a total joy it is worth keeping in mind some simple points.
* Bargaining: Fixed priced apply in department stores and some shops in Bangkok; otherwise, bargaining is acceptable even expected. Generally, the price asked for can be reduced by 10%-40%. No hard and fast rules apply, but remember Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humour and can be put off by loud voices and loss of temper. Patience and a smile are what count.
* Gems & Jewellery: Remember there is no such thing as a bargain when buying gems or jewellery, there is only good value. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Choose jewellery stores carefully and do compare prices from shop to shop.
* Touts: Avoid touts or unsolicited new-found friends who offer to take you shopping. Stores give commissions to such people and the cost is reflected in the price you pay.
* Receipts: When purchasing gems, jewellery or other luxury items, obtain a receipt and check it is correct before leaving the shop.
The Jewel Fest Club
Jewellery and gemstones from Thailand are also a favourite item for many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality craftmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Yet occasionally, there have been visitors who complained about the action of few unethical jewellers who persuaded them to purchase jewellery at an unreasonable price.
Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established, bringing about 100 leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers. The club's aim to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied with their purchases.
When you purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identified as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, your purchase will be duly recorded, and a certificate detailing your purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and price of your purchase, it also guarantees your refund should you wish to return the purchase. Contact The Jewel Fest Club at Tel: 0 2630 1390-7, Fax: 0 2630 1398-9, or visit website : www.jewelfest.com.
VAT Refund
Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to refunds of the 7% value-added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops and department stores displaying "VAT Refund for Tourists" signs. The refund may be claimed if the claimed amounts in all P.P.10's have been totaled 5,000 baht or over. Tourist is eligible to receive P.P.10 form when the total purchase of 2,000 baht or over is made from the same store on the same date. Before checking in at the international airport (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Utapao), tourist must show your purchases, completed P.P.10 form and tax invoices to the Customs Officer for inspection. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card. For more information, please contact the VAT Refund for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388, 0 2272 8195-8 or www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html
Where to shop in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, but offers many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. The following is just a selection of some of the principal shopping districts.
* Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong
Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, All of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the Central World Plaza and Narayana Phand Pavillion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Ploenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mah Boon Krong, Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.
* Silom-Surawong-Patpong
Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok's commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong's famous night market
* Silom-Mahesak-New road
Silom leads into New Road which parallel the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.
* Sukhumvit
Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke) and along shortcuts between Asoke and Ekamai.
* Chinatown
Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok's Chinatown offers a profusion or gold shops as well as two nearby traditional shopping places, Ban Mo Jewellery Street and Phahurat ClothMarket.
* Bang Lamphu
Situated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
* Pratunam-Phetchaburi
A highlight in the distinct is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok's biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.
* Baiyoke Tower
Located next to Bangkok's tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city's renowned garment centres.
* Nailert Market
Situated close to Pratunum Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.
* Bo-Be Market
Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the city's renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.
* Bangkok International Airport
Centre for an extensive range of shops offering a full selection of Thailand's top buys.
Shopping & Department Stores
* Amerin Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2255 0831
* Future Park Rangsit
Phaholyothin Road, Tel : 0 2958 0080
* Gaysorn Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2656 1149
* Mah Boon Krong Centre (MBK),
Opp Siam Square
* Nailert Plaza
Phetchaburi Road, Tel : 0-2255-8970-2
* Narayana Phand
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2252 4670-9
* Peninsula Plaza
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2253 9763
* Ploenchit Centre
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2656 8989-90 (Inter Outlet)
* River City
Yota Road, Tel : 0 2237 0077-8
* Seacon Square
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2721 8888
* Seri Centre
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2746 0123
* Siam Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
* Siam Discovery Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
* Times Square
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2253 9333
-Info courtesy of TAT-
Thailand Travel Tips - Social Norms
Social Norms : The Thais are very sociable and tolerant towards visitors. At the same time they do have, as do all people, accepted social codes of behavior. Although these customs are not as rigid as the conduct regarding the monarchy and religion, an awareness of them by foreigners is always appreciated, even expected in some rural areas where old ways are more rigidly adhered to than in Bangkok.
* Greeting: Thais do not shake hands when they greet one another, instead they press the palms of their hands together chest - or - chin high and bow the head. The gesture is known as the wai. Generally, younger people will wai an elder, who then returns the greeting. Also, it is a strict custom, the wai is held higher by a person greeting someone senior in rank or age. That however is a finer point, and a visitor who observers how Thais greet and tries to make a similar gesture will be much appreciated.
* Head and Feet: These are considered, respectively, to be the highest and lowest parts of the body. Therefore, don't touch anyone on the head , even in a friendly gesture. Moreover, as will be seen in social gatherings, younger people will try to keep their heads lower than those of their elders, and should they past by they will bow their heads as a sign of respect. The same can also be apply between people of lower and higher social rank. As for the feet, it is considered extremely rude to point to a person or an object with one's feet. When sitting opposite anyone, the feet should be tucked away.
* Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. Today, some westernized Thai couples may be seen holding hands, mainly among the young in cosmopolitan Bangkok, but this is as far as it goes in polite society.
* Loss of temper: To lose one's temper, especially in public, is regarded as bad manners. Nor does it achieve anything, and one is far more likely to get what one wants by keeping a cool head and concealing emotions. The best advice is always to keep a sense of humour, smile and look on the bright side of things.
* Form of Address: Don't be offended if you are addressed by your first name. This is the normal Thai way, the given name being usually preceded by the universal title khun, which means Mr., Mrs., and Miss. As for Thai names, these are often quite long; thus, all thais have nicknames. So if you find yourself presented with a tongue-twister, don't be afraid to ask politely for the shorter version of the name. Also, don't be offended if someone who knows little English calls out "Hey, you". This is not mean to be offensive, but rather a straight forward translation of the polite Thai greeting. Also, Thais commonly greet each other in the street with "pai nai?", where are you going? Again, this is neither impolite, nor do they expect a literal response.
* Sanuk: This is a Thai word that defies direct translation, but means to have fun and can refer to everything that is enjoyable and gives a feeling of pleasure. It is widely used and is indicative of a culture that considers it would be a dull world if it was all work and no pleasure.
* Mai Pen Rai: Another characteristic Thai phrase which means never mind, it doesn't matter - a concept well worth keeping in mind.
-Info courtesy of TAT-
* Greeting: Thais do not shake hands when they greet one another, instead they press the palms of their hands together chest - or - chin high and bow the head. The gesture is known as the wai. Generally, younger people will wai an elder, who then returns the greeting. Also, it is a strict custom, the wai is held higher by a person greeting someone senior in rank or age. That however is a finer point, and a visitor who observers how Thais greet and tries to make a similar gesture will be much appreciated.
* Head and Feet: These are considered, respectively, to be the highest and lowest parts of the body. Therefore, don't touch anyone on the head , even in a friendly gesture. Moreover, as will be seen in social gatherings, younger people will try to keep their heads lower than those of their elders, and should they past by they will bow their heads as a sign of respect. The same can also be apply between people of lower and higher social rank. As for the feet, it is considered extremely rude to point to a person or an object with one's feet. When sitting opposite anyone, the feet should be tucked away.
* Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. Today, some westernized Thai couples may be seen holding hands, mainly among the young in cosmopolitan Bangkok, but this is as far as it goes in polite society.
* Loss of temper: To lose one's temper, especially in public, is regarded as bad manners. Nor does it achieve anything, and one is far more likely to get what one wants by keeping a cool head and concealing emotions. The best advice is always to keep a sense of humour, smile and look on the bright side of things.
* Form of Address: Don't be offended if you are addressed by your first name. This is the normal Thai way, the given name being usually preceded by the universal title khun, which means Mr., Mrs., and Miss. As for Thai names, these are often quite long; thus, all thais have nicknames. So if you find yourself presented with a tongue-twister, don't be afraid to ask politely for the shorter version of the name. Also, don't be offended if someone who knows little English calls out "Hey, you". This is not mean to be offensive, but rather a straight forward translation of the polite Thai greeting. Also, Thais commonly greet each other in the street with "pai nai?", where are you going? Again, this is neither impolite, nor do they expect a literal response.
* Sanuk: This is a Thai word that defies direct translation, but means to have fun and can refer to everything that is enjoyable and gives a feeling of pleasure. It is widely used and is indicative of a culture that considers it would be a dull world if it was all work and no pleasure.
* Mai Pen Rai: Another characteristic Thai phrase which means never mind, it doesn't matter - a concept well worth keeping in mind.
-Info courtesy of TAT-
Thailand Travel Tips - Religion
Travel Tips
Religion :Thailand is a devoutly Buddhist country in which more than 90% of the population professes and practices the faith. Due to respect to Buddhism and its symbols, most especially Buddha statues, should be shown as a matter of simple good manners regardless of one's own religious persuasion. The Thais themselves are respectful of other religions and Thai law has several special sections concerning religious offences. It is, for example, unlawful to cause any offence to a religion within Thailand. Similarly, any person causing a disturbance at a religious assembly or gathering is liable to prosecution. For practical purposes, here are a few tips of what to do and what not to do when visiting religious places:
* Remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist chapel where religious images are enshrined. Do likewise when entering a mosque, for which permission should be asked, and do not enter when there is a religious gathering.
* Dress neatly and appropriately. Unsuitable attire includes sleeveless shirts and blouses, short skirts, shorts above the knee and hot pants. At a mosque, women should be well covered in a long skirt or trousers, long sleeved blouse buttoned to the neck and a head scarf.
* Don't touch a Buddhist monk if you are a woman, monks are sworn to celibacy and are forbidden from even the slightest physical contact with a woman. Should a woman wish to pass something to a monk, it should first be handed to a man for him to pass on. Alternatively, a monk may spread a piece of cloth in front of him on which a woman may place her gift.
* Don't climb up on a Buddha stature to take a photograph, or do anything that might show lack of respect. Every Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a scared object.
Religion :Thailand is a devoutly Buddhist country in which more than 90% of the population professes and practices the faith. Due to respect to Buddhism and its symbols, most especially Buddha statues, should be shown as a matter of simple good manners regardless of one's own religious persuasion. The Thais themselves are respectful of other religions and Thai law has several special sections concerning religious offences. It is, for example, unlawful to cause any offence to a religion within Thailand. Similarly, any person causing a disturbance at a religious assembly or gathering is liable to prosecution. For practical purposes, here are a few tips of what to do and what not to do when visiting religious places:
* Remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist chapel where religious images are enshrined. Do likewise when entering a mosque, for which permission should be asked, and do not enter when there is a religious gathering.
* Dress neatly and appropriately. Unsuitable attire includes sleeveless shirts and blouses, short skirts, shorts above the knee and hot pants. At a mosque, women should be well covered in a long skirt or trousers, long sleeved blouse buttoned to the neck and a head scarf.
* Don't touch a Buddhist monk if you are a woman, monks are sworn to celibacy and are forbidden from even the slightest physical contact with a woman. Should a woman wish to pass something to a monk, it should first be handed to a man for him to pass on. Alternatively, a monk may spread a piece of cloth in front of him on which a woman may place her gift.
* Don't climb up on a Buddha stature to take a photograph, or do anything that might show lack of respect. Every Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a scared object.
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